Authorities of Halong City in Quang Ninh Province have asked the Quang Ninh Inland Waterway Port Authority to suspend the licenses of 20 cruise ships operating in Halong and Bai Tu Long bays from August 8, reported news website Vietnamplus.

Cruise ships dock in Halong Bay. The licenses of 20 cruise ships operating in Halong and Bai Tu Long bays have been suspended 

The suspension will remain in force until the Halong City government approves the resumption of these cruise ships.

The ships were suspended because they had failed to install automatic fire alarm systems in their engine rooms, as required by the local authorities.

The city government asked the owners of the cruise ships to promptly comply with the requirement to ensure the safety of tourists visiting Halong and Bai Tu Long bays.

Of the 20 suspended ships, two are operated by Son Tung Travel and Trade Co., Ltd; two by Quyet Thanh Dat Tourism Service Investment Co., Ltd; and two by Pham Nang Minh, a resident of Halong.

According to the province’s regulations, every cruise ship operating in Halong and Bai Tu Long bays must have a surveillance camera installed in its engine room and a screen in the cabin by June 25. Fire extinguishers and automatic fire alarm systems have to be added by August 5.

SGT